Electrification and the Environment

As part of The 2030 Challenge, leaders in the global architecture and building community have committed to sustainable designs that reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels. Approximately 80% of the top 10 and 65% of the top 20 architectural firms in the United States have accepted the Challenge, which aims for new buildings, developments and major renovations to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Designed for Decarbonization

Greener grids and the wider use of renewable energy sources such as sunlight make electrification key to achieving decarbonization goals. Both residential and commercial architects can contribute to the electrification of the built environment by incorporating highly-efficient, variable capacity HVAC systems into their designs.

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are engineered to use only the precise amount of energy needed to heat or cool a commercial building. As manufacturers innovate, the amperage required by VRF systems continues to fall making VRF ideal for office buildings, hotels and educational facilities, among other applications, that utilize renewable energy.

Variable-capacity heat pump systems, both split-ductless and ducted, offer similar benefits for light-commercial applications, residences and multifamily buildings. A study conducted by the Center for Energy and Environment showed how heat pumps can reduce reliance on propane and heating oil even in cold climates. Systems like CITY MULTI® or Zoned Comfort Solutions® from Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS) are ideal for meeting these energy-efficient goals. Learn more at MitsubishiPro.com.